All Black's (-26.5) to lift the curse

New Zealand vs Argentina, 9th October 2011 09h30, Auckland

The last of the quarter-finals is also the most straightforward as well, at least if popular opinion is to be believed. Of course, I’m not one to be swayed by popular opinion but rather by facts, and on odd occasions, the good old gut feeling. Of course, having a look at this one it’s hard to see anything but an All Black victory, even when factoring in the expected gutsy performance from the Pumas.

Boks 11/10 to give Wallabies the boot

South Africa vs Australia, 9th October 2011 07h00, Wellington

With the Northern hemisphere quarter-finals out of the way, attention turns South and in particular to the clash between the Springboks and the Wallabies. These are two rivals that know each other inside out, and as with Saturday’s matches, a tight encounter is expected. With both group winners being toppled on Saturday, the Boks will have to be wary of complacency against what is a very dangerous Australian team.

2012 AFCON Qualifiers Preview

2012 AFCON Qualifiers Preview - Friday 7th-Sunday 9th October 2011

The Qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations 2012 comes to a climax this weekend with a number of group’s still unresolved and 11 spots still up for grabs. There are still a number of Africa’s big guns who are sweating over qualification including Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. It is bound to be a weekend filled with drama, tears and joy. Throw a bit of profit into the mix and it’s a recipe for an entertaining couple matches.

Can AVB stop the Manchester duopoly

So Arsene Wenger has ruled the Gunners out of the title race, talk about throwing in the towel. I mean, sure, we’ve all but already written them off, along with every other club that isn’t situated in the greater Manchester area. Surely no one can stop City or United? Liverpool don’t have the depth and Chelsea, well they’re too old and their manager is too young. Isn’t that the general consensus? The great thing about being a writer and a football fan is that I get to have my opinion and I get to spread it around. Perhaps I could even level the playing field a bit.

Manassero 22/1 to Make It in Madrid

The Madrid Masters, European Tour, 6 - 9 October 2011, Madrid

On Thursday some of the European Tours top names will fight it out for a share of the 1 million Euros available in Spain this weekend. This year the tournament will be held at El Encin Golf Hotel for the first time, so just like in the Frys.com Open, course form goes out the window. The course is said to be flat and long, but word on the street is players have to compete with numerous bunkers and massive water hazards around the 16th, 17th and 18th. Now, lets see if we can find some value.

Tiger Woods 7/1 On The Return Trail

The Frys.com Open, PGA Tour, 6 - 9 October 2011, San Martin

The run of ridiculously named tournaments on the PGA Tour continues this week as an average field prepare to tee off in San Martin, California. This tournament holds little appeal for those who like to follow course form due to the fact that this is only the 2nd time it will be played at CordeValle Golf Club. However interest should be piqued by the return of an apparently re-invigorated Tiger Woods. Rumour has it that Tiger broke the course record at his home course in Florida recently but that means little to me. Granted, shooting one low round is tough enough but stringing four together is a different story. At 7/1 I’m staying far away from the fallen star. I feel his undeservedly low price has pushed some far more appealing players out in the betting so will focus a bit more on them.

South Africa to Strike in Crucial Clash

South Africa v Sierra Leone, AFCON Qualifier, Sat 8th October 17h00. Mbombela Stadium

The final round of the AFCON Qualifiers will kick-off this weekend with a place at next year’s AFCON in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea at stake for many teams. South Africa’s destiny doesn’t lie in their own hands but rather in Egypt’s. Egypt will host Niger, and South Africa will be hoping the weakened Egyptian team made up of U-23 players can upset the visitors and either pull off a win or a draw. South Africa will take on Sierra Leone in a match they will be going all out to win, and hope Niger drop points.

Super Eagles To Gain On Guinea

Nigeria v Guinea, AFCON Qualifiers, Saturday 8th October 16h00, Abuja Stadium

This week sees the domestic leagues take a break and focus is turned to International duty as AFCON qualifiers takes the center stage. This is crunch time for these two as this is the last of the qualifying encounters and they will be going head to head to top the group and book their place in next year’s AFCON.

Galaxy (37/20) to Outshine Red Bulls

NY Red Bulls vs LA Galaxy, USA MLS, Wed 5th October 02h00 (CAT), Red Bull Arena

It's the leaders of the Western Conference taking on the 6th placed team in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday morning (RSA Time), when the LA Galaxy travel to the east coast to take on the NY Red Bulls. Both sides are the richest in the USA MLS, with each boasting stars such as David Beckham for the Galaxy, and Thierry Henry for the Bulls. Althought an evenly fought contest in the past, all signs are pointing to the Galaxy here.